First Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft: 49ers eyeing Justin Fields

2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Character concerns surrounding Micah Parsons have seen a wide variety in his potential draft spot. However, his talent is undeniable, and the Raiders have a history of being willing to take on players with character concerns. Thus, while not their most pressing need, Parsons to the Raiders is a tempting option given the talent he possesses.

18. Miami Dolphins: Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma

The Dolphins have several potential options with pick 18. In this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft, they address their offensive line with Creed Humphrey. With the Steelers, Rams, Seahawks, and Giants all potentially looking to address center, the Dolphins should not risk letting a high-quality, athletic center like Humphrey slip through their fingers.

19. Washington Football Team: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

With five QBs already off the board, there is no signal-caller value for the Washington Football Team here. On the other hand, there is one of the top defensive players on Pauline’s big board still available.

Zaven Collins gives Washington a potential centerpiece on defense to build around. With Ryan Fitzpatrick, Taylor Heinicke, and Kyle Allen on the roster, Washington can focus their attention on building their defense.

20. Chicago Bears: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/IOL, USC

The Bears are in QB purgatory. Additionally, cornerback is a need, but the value is not there in the middle of the first round. Therefore, they should focus on upgrading their offensive line by adding Alijah Vera-Tucker.

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Adding an immediate potential starter to the offensive line will benefit the Bears in both the pass and run game. Vera-Tucker could either slot in at tackle or be an option to shift inside to guard.

21. Indianapolis Colts: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Colts really need to add a difference-maker to their pass rush. Of the options on the board, Gregory Rousseau has perhaps the most upside. Once viewed as a potential top-10 selection, Rousseau’s lack of playing time in college has dampened those discussions, but he is a tremendous high-upside selection for the Colts. This selection could prove to be the biggest value of this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft.

22. Tennessee Titans: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

Tennessee added Josh Reynolds to complement A.J. Brown, but they still need more weapons on the outside. Rondale Moore could be an ideal third option in 2021 before growing into a secondary role to Brown after that.

23. New York Jets (from Seattle): Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State

A running back could be an option for the Jets here. However, adding Wyatt Davis at guard could actually be a better way to upgrade the run game. Putting a talented player on the inside of the line would change the narrative around this team. With depth at the offensive tackle position, the Jets could add another interior OL piece later in the draft.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

The Steelers desperately need to address their offensive line in this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft. If he were on the board, Creed Humphrey would have been the first choice. With Humphrey off the board, upgrading their tackle situation is an easy option. Jalen Mayfield brings a tough physical presence to a team that prides itself on that playstyle.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams): Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

After adding their quarterback of the future in Lawrence, the Jaguars can focus on their defense later in the round. A defensive backfield of Trevon Moehrig, Rayshawn Jenkins, Shaquill Griffin, Tre Herndon, and C.J. Henderson has plenty of potential.

26. Cleveland Browns: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma

Adding a pass-rush partner for Myles Garrett should be a focus for the Browns in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. A player of Ronnie Perkins’ talent could prosper opposite Garrett, who will draw the attention of opposing offensive lines. Perkins and Takkarist McKinley will make a fascinating rotational duo on the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart.

27. Kansas City Chiefs (projected trade w/ Baltimore): Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

The Chiefs desperately need to address their offensive tackle position. A trade with one of their main AFC rivals in the Ravens may not materialize, but if it does, they can spring into a position to add Teven Jenkins.

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With Eric Fisher released, Jenkins could be an early starter at left tackle for the Chiefs. A third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft would likely be enough to assuage any fears the Ravens have in making a trade with the Chiefs.

28. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

Pairing Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah with the Saints feels like a perfect fit. Owusu-Koramoah gives the Saints an intriguing piece that can be used in a hybrid role across multiple downs. After releasing Kwon Alexander, the Saints’ depth chart at linebacker is lacking. Owusu-Koramoah would immediately boost that depth and give the Saints defense an intriguing strategy piece.

29. Green Bay Packers: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Green Bay has David Bakhtiari at left tackle, but their right tackle situation is less solid. Alex Leatherwood is a natural fit at right tackle and would give the Packers a solid pair of tackles entering 2021. The Packers have built their offense around a strong offensive line, and Leatherwood would be sorely needed after Bulaga left ahead of the 2020 NFL season.

30. Arizona Cardinals (projected trade w/ Buffalo): Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky

A trade back for the Cardinals in this 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft would work out perfectly. Cornerback is perhaps their biggest need, but if Surtain and Horn are off the board, there is limited value in the position at 16. Instead, they can trade back to No. 30 and likely have their pick of the next tier. In this mock, the Cardinals take Kelvin Joseph, who has the skill set as a potential late first-round option in 2021.

31. Baltimore Ravens (projected trade w/ Kansas City): Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

After trading back, the Ravens are in a prime position to add a second receiver opposite Marquise Brown. The Ravens are adding Sammy Watkins as a short-term option, but Rashod Bateman presents a more long-term solution. A duo of Brown and Bateman could give the Ravens an electric passing game to go with their fearsome run game.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

Even with Ndamukong Suh back for the 2021 season, the Buccaneers still need to address defensive tackle. Putting Christian Barmore in the rotation with Suh and Vita Vea would mean the Buccaneers have consistent strength up front, regardless of who is in the game. Additionally, Barmore can step in and replace Suh in 2022.

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